LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2024

BUBBLE UP

Strawberry Balsamic Soda

The unexpected combo of strawberry and balsamic vinegar is one that chefs have been incorporating into dishes for a long time. Riffing on that culinary concept, this cocktail amps up the flavour of in-season straw berries with a dash of balsamic. 1 1/2 oz Ontario Strawberry Syrup (recipe follows) 6 to 8 oz watermelon-flavoured hard seltzer or sparkling water 1/4 tsp (1 mL) balsamic glaze A basil sprig for garnish Watermelon slice for garnish 1. Pour syrup and hard seltzer into a tall glass filled with ice. Pour in balsamic glaze. Garnish with basil and watermelon slice. Serve with a straw so it can be stirred right before enjoying. ONTARIO STRAWBERRY SYRUP Place 2 cups (500 mL) of halved or quartered strawberries into a medium pot along with 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) granulated sugar and 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until softened and strawberry flavour infuses into syrup, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Using the back of a ladle, swirl and push through a sieve into a steril ized jar. Keep leftover fruit purée in the fridge (up to 4 days) for another use like pouring over ice cream or stirring into yogurt. Makes 1 cocktail

Makes 2 cups (500 mL) syrup for 10 cocktails or mocktails

32 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2024